'We will take steps to defend Pakistan... at all costs'

OPEN conflict erupted between India and Pakistan after New Delhi launched air strikes on nine “terrorist infrastructure” sites in the wake of the recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

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At least 31 Pakistani civilians were reported killed and 57 injured as India launched Operation Sindoor — named after the vermilion-red powder Hindu women apply to the hair parting to signify marriage.

The worst fighting between the nuclear armed neighbours in over two decades broke out on Tuesday night as Indian forces targeted sites across both Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Pakistan itself.

New Delhi said the strikes were aimed at compounds linked to militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. They follow the April 22 attack that killed 26 Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Pakistan claimed its air defences downed five Indian jets during the dawn raids, though Indian officials have not confirmed any losses. Sources in Indian Kashmir said three Indian fighter jets crashed overnight.

Islamabad called the strikes a “blatant act of war” and told the UN Security Council. Pakistan’s military spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry vowed a response “at a time, place and means of our own choosing”.

Gunfire

He added: “All of these engagements have been carried out in self-defence. We will take all steps to defend the honour, integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan — at all costs.”

Both nations exchanged intense shelling and gunfire across the Line of Control.

Police in Indian Kashmir said 15 civilians were killed and 48 injured. Pakistani officials reported six civilian deaths.